Businesses brace for the unexpected on Trump’s Asia tour
HONG KONG — Some businesses in Asia are bracing for the unexpected as President Donald Trump traverses the region and meets with the leaders of major U.S. trading partners. Exporters are apprehensive, given Trump’s penchant for unpredictability, his vehement dislike for swollen U.S. trade deficits, and his threats to rip up trade deals.
Trump began his tour in Japan, where he vowed to reshape the trading relationship, saying it’s “not fair and it’s not open.” He stopped in South Korea on Tuesday and will next travel to China, Vietnam and the Philippines, including stops at three regional summits. That allows him plenty of chances to showcase his assertive style and make off-the-cuff remarks that could leave his hosts and adversaries scrambling to react.
Here’s a look at the mood among a few U.S. and Asian businesses watching the trip.
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